Self-mutilation

Definition

Self-mutilation or self-injury is any form of self-harm inflicted on your body without the intent to commit suicide.

Causes

Self-mutilation may be caused by associated psychological problems. Self-mutilation may be done to release emotional pain, anger, or
anxiety
. It may also be done to rebel against authority, flirt with risk-taking, or feel in control. In some cases, the behavior is outside your emotional control and related to a neurological or metabolic disorder.

Brain—Psychological Organ

Self-mutilation is often associated with psychiatric disorders that may be caused by chemical imbalances in the brain.

Diagnosis

Self-mutilation can be difficult to diagnose. People who self-mutilate often feel guilty and ashamed about their behavior. They may try to hide it. Physical harm caused by self-mutilation may be the first sign noticed during an exam. To be diagnosed, symptoms should meet the following criteria:

Excess thinking about physically harming oneself

Inability to resist harming oneself, resulting in tissue damage

Increased tension before and a sense of relief after self-injury

Having no suicidal intent in the self-mutilation

To make an accurate diagnosis, the psychologist or psychiatrist will assess other conditions, such as personality or mood disorders, and whether there is suicidal intent. A psychosocial assessment may also be given to assess a person’s mental capacity, level of distress, and presence of mental illness.

Treatment

Treatment usually includes medical and psychological treatment, as well as medications.

Medical Treatment

A doctor will assess whether care needs to be provided right away to
treat or
prevent further injury.

Psychologic Treatment

Psychologic treatment may be done either one-to-one or in a group setting. It is usually aimed at finding and treating the underlying emotional difficulty,
trauma
, or disorder. It may also include
cognitive behavioral therapy
.

Medications

Medications used include:

Antidepressants

Antipsychotics

Mood regulators

Anticonvulsants

Prevention

The best prevention is to get help as soon as possible for depression, trauma, emotional problems, or other disorders that may lead to self-mutilation.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

Self-harm: the short-term physical and psychological management and secondary prevention of self-harm in primary and secondary care. National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence website. Available at:
http://www.nice.org.uk/nicemedia/pdf/CG016NICEguideline.pdf.
Updated July 2004. Accessed November 11, 2014.

Self-injury in adolescents. American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry website.
Available at:
http://www.aacap.org/AACAP/Families%5Fand%5FYouth/Facts%5Ffor%5FFamilies/Facts%5Ffor%5FFamilies%5FPages/Self%5FInjury%5FIn%5FAdolescents%5F73.aspx.
Updated July 2013. Accessed November 11, 2014.